Award Categories

Nonprofit organizations are invited to submit nominations for outstanding achievement in the following categories. We encourage you to submit candidates in as many categories as appropriate; however, each organization may enter only one nominee per category. Please refer to the Rules and Judging Criteria.

Spirit of Philanthropy Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is presented at the discretion of a special panel of judges. The award recognizes the cumulative philanthropic efforts of an individual, family or family foundation over a period of ten years or more. The Honoree for lifetime achievement will have specifically demonstrated significant, long-term involvement with one or more Orange County nonprofit organizations. National, and/or international philanthropic involvements will be appropriately considered.

Outstanding Philanthropist
This award recognizes an outstanding individual, family or family foundation with a proven record of exceptional financial generosity to one or more nonprofit organizations, local or national, who has 1) demonstrated exceptional civic and charitable responsibility, and 2) whose generosity inspires others to philanthropic achievement. This award is to honor the achievements of a living person, so if a foundation is proposed there should be at least one living founder.

Outstanding Founder
This award recognizes an outstanding individual or group of individuals for achievement, leadership and vision in establishing a successful nonprofit organization (not an event) dedicated to providing important charitable services to the community, or to improving the quality of life for individuals and families living in Orange County.

Outstanding Corporation or Business (more than 30 employees)
This award recognizes a corporation or business with 30 or more employees that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to philanthropy through its: 1) financial support of one or more nonprofit organizations; 2) leadership involvement and 3) volunteer participation and commitment of its workforce, in establishing a role model for other businesses in our community.

Outstanding Corporation or Business (fewer than 30 employees)
This award recognizes a corporation or business with fewer than 30 employees that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to philanthropy through its: 1) financial support of one or more philanthropic organizations; 2) leadership involvement and 3) volunteer participation and commitment of its workforce, in establishing a role model for other businesses in our community.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
This award recognizes an outstanding volunteer who has: 1) demonstrated exceptional leadership in coordinating and motivating others to accomplish a philanthropic project for the benefit of a charitable institution; and 2) has devoted a substantial amount of personal time, energy, and creativity to one or more nonprofit organizations, exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism at its best.

Outstanding Philanthropic Group
This award recognizes an outstanding volunteer group (e.g. corporate or industry volunteer team, guild or auxiliary, civic/service club) that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the community through direct involvement, financial support and leadership. The group should have official status, i.e. be incorporated as a nonprofit, chartered or recognized, not several individuals working together.

Outstanding Youth or Youth Group
This award recognizes service by an outstanding youth leader (under 21 years of age), youth group or youth-generated project that has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering, and/or leadership. A $750 award will be given to the Outstanding Honoree Youth or Youth Group.